18th century

[ilovemarkb]

please can anyone help with my sons homework (just a few pointers)
Why did peoplle transport good via canal rather than road in the second half of the 18th century and why were canals built in some area's rather than other. adam smith and thomas telford names come up when we try to find the answers! thanks sorry if posted in the wrong section

[dotty.]

The manufacturers were the biggest investors in the canal system and the therefore biggest shareholders. The manufacturers that needed the efficient cost effective transport system were the pottery factories of the midland towns and the textile manufacturers of the North, roads were prone to flooding and mostly impassable, canals could be used to carry bulk quicker and cheaper with less delays

[ilovemarkb]

awhh thanks dotty!

[jomifl]

One horse could tow many tons of cargo in a barge. on a road with hills, many horses would be required to pull the load uphill and there would be problems controlling the load on downhill sections.

[jomifl]

Acording to Wiki.. a horse can tow 50 X as much in a barge as it can in a cart..